Call made for Renfrewshire Council to keep public buildings open every day in winter so people can stay warm

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Council chiefs have been urged to keep public buildings open every day in winter so Renfrewshire’s vulnerable can stay warm.Emergency proposals have been drafted that could, if agreed, see local authority halls and community centres offer space for residents to heat up.The measures have been put forward as the worsening cost-of-living crisis inflicts severe financial pressure on people in the area.Food bank staff are already concerned soaring energy bills could leave people “freezing and sitting in darkness” as the cold weather looms just around the corner.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here. The opposition Labour group, who have already called for a special summit to coordinate action, prepared a motion that has been submitted to the council for consideration ahead of a crunch meeting at the end of the month.They note the “unprecedented increase” in fuel costs and the “dramatic effect” this will have upon the well-being of Renfrewshire residents in the months to come.“Worst affected will be our most vulnerable residents, families with young children, disabled residents and the elderly relying upon their state pension,” the motion continues.The party’s elected reps suggest that from Thursday, December 1, until Tuesday, February 28, council-run halls and community centres open to the public and provide designated areas for them to visit and keep warm at no cost.Councillor Iain McMillan, the group’s leader, hopes such an initiative could go on to have a ripple effect and see others volunteer spaces to provide respite for people who are struggling.He said: “I don’t think we